Shiv Sena asks artists not to compromise national interests

In a veiled attack on singer Mika Singh, the Shiv Sena on 4 August said artists should not compromise over patriotism over commercial benefits.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said that keeping any relation with Pakistan, a country which is brewing unrest in India, is wrong and should not be done.

"These artists preach us in regard with patriotism but when it comes to business they share dais with Pakistani artists," Raut lamented.

He also said that it is the duty of every Indian not to develop any relations with Pakistan, which is fomenting terror in India.

"When it is known that Pakistan is brewing unrest in our nation it becomes duty of each Indian to boycott Pakistan and should not establish any relation of any sort with the nation. This cannot be forced by the government, this has to come from within. And if anyone is making compromise with patriotism for commercial benefits then they must stop preaching about it," the Shiv Sena leader said.

Mika Singh has drawn flaks from Indian-Americans for his appeal to his fans in Houston to join him in celebrating the independence days of India and "Apna Pakistan".

Reportedly, huge number of Indian Americans slammed Singh who called for a joint celebration of India's and Pakistan's celebration of Independence Day at the show.

People said to have taken Singh's comment as cruel joke in the wake of the ceasefire violations by Pakistan on the LoC, which have claimed lives of Indian security personnel and civilians.